Caumsett State Park

Caumsett State Park

25 Lloyd Harbor Road
Huntington, NY 11743
Phone: (631) 423-1770

Only recently have I discovered the hidden mysteries of the North Shore of Long Island. Like many Long Islanders, I knew that the North Shore is filled with affluent neighborhoods, where the value of a casual outfit is worth more than my total net worth. But I was unaware of the rich history here, of wealthy industrialists, bankers, and the likes building excessive mansions to house their massive egos. And as much as it is annoying to think of the poverty and despair that existed during these times, it is awesome to think of the lavish lives that these people lived. It also calls attention to the neglected North Shore of Long Island for its beauty. These people lived up here for a reason.

Caumsett State Park is an interesting drive. A drive through a Brooklyn-like, urban area of Huntington where the streets are filled with people shopping, talking, and enjoying the summer eventually transitions to an uppity area filled with restaurants with $35 appetizers, older women wearing clothes that are 30 years too young, and outdoor Dave Matthew cover bands. Oh yeah...and you have to stop in the middle of the street for jaywalking pedestrians. A quick left then a right and you are on a one lane road filled with beautiful homes, manicured lawns never touched by the owners, a police station whose most vicious crime was an "un-curbed dog," even a wonderful seminary. Eventually the road opens to wonderful vistas, semi-mountainous with odd Super Mario 2-like shrubs protruding from shallow waters. A bit further down the road and you are at the entrance, a time warp of sorts.

Caumsett State Park seems different from the other parks that I have visited. There is no grand entrance...no giant metal sign heralding its greatness...no giant parking lots where the heat blurs the actual amount of vehicles in the lot. You drive to a small parking lot. A large dairy barn can be seen from one angle, a fenced in garden from another. I am going to give you the "all-inclusive" path to follow. Actually, its a result of trial and error by Jess and I in terms of trying to figure out which way was the best. In my opinion, it gives the best overall view of the park in a two hour segment.

After parking in the main lot, walk past the collection booth down a dirt road. At the end, swing a right and continue walking across a large field. You will eventually hit a concrete path. Follow this path into the woods and after the path veers right, you will see some benches on the right and, a bit further up the road, a mini-hut with some park postings. You will see a path that heads back to the left, somewhat in the direction that you came. This is not the right path. Instead, look a bit to the right and you will see a path that heads into the woods (I believe there is a sign here prohibiting horses). Take this path. After a bit of hiking, you will see two giant water towers. Take the path to the right, which is in front of them. Follow this down to the bottom until you hit a clearing. Veer to the left and you will hit another path. Follow it to the left and you will find the promised land. All of a sudden a clearing will appear, where problems cease to exist. This is an ethereal spot; a spot for deep thought; a spot for playing your favorite song and thinking about life. Take a peek at the vivid views of Connecticut, of the beach, of nature. To the right, there is a stairway that heads to the beach. Follow it to the right (east) until you see a large, brick protrusion (reasons for this here have ranged from a place for cannons to a bizarre sex fetish spot - all speculatory of course). There is a path from the beach and make a left. Follow this sandy beach path around through the woods to a clearing where the mansion is in sight. Go up the massive hill (a horror in the summer), head around the mansion, and you are on the main path. You can follow this back to the main lot where your car is.
The beauty of Caumsett is the ability to traverse many areas unfettered. There are a multitude of small paths and interesting nuggets to be traversed. In addition to all of the great paths, there are a houses and mansions dotting the park. One of them, which is on the main path (or you will arrive there if you follow the above path we laid out) is quite majestic. I stood on the back porch of this mansion, admiring the view and wondered what it would have been like to live there "back in the day" to enjoy a coffee and a paper while admiring the view. I imagined a Christmas party, with decorations and food, with a light snowfall. It is impressive to say the least. Just make sure that you somehow make it to the shoreline. Bring a compass and make sure that you are headed north. The views here are tremendous.

Notes:
- Here is the link to the park's website for more specific information.
- As I had stated before, there is a lot of exploring to be done. Our description just gives a nice and scenic way to get to the north shore. Pack a lunch and do some exploring! We would love to hear about some new finds and paths.
- All photos seen here were taken by Dan.